The Daily Stoic

416 pages, 2016

Ryan Holiday

Takeaways

Description

From the team that brought you The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy, a beautiful daily devotional of Stoic meditations—an instant Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller.

Why have history's greatest minds—from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with today's top performers from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities—embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise.

The Daily Stoic offers 366 days of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations from the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the playwright Seneca, or slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus, as well as lesser-known luminaries like Zeno, Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus. Every day of the year you'll find one of their pithy, powerful quotations, as well as historical anecdotes, provocative commentary, and a helpful glossary of Greek terms.

By following these teachings over the course of a year (and, indeed, for years to come) you'll find the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live well.

Embrace the Power of Perception

Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of perception in our daily lives. He suggests that we have the power to control how we interpret and respond to events around us. So, next time when something doesn't go as planned, instead of getting upset, try to see it from a different perspective.

Practice Mindfulness

The Daily Stoic encourages us to be present in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in the past or worry about the future, but Holiday reminds us that the present moment is all we truly have. So, take a moment to pause, breathe, and fully engage with the here and now.

Accept What You Can't Control

One of the key lessons from the book is learning to accept things we can't control. Holiday suggests that we often waste energy on things beyond our control. Instead, focus on what you can control - your actions, your thoughts, and your reactions.

Cultivate Inner Strength

Holiday explores the concept of inner strength in his book. He believes that we can build resilience and strength through the practice of Stoicism. So, next time when you face a challenge, remember that it's an opportunity to grow and become stronger.

Value Simplicity

The Daily Stoic encourages us to value simplicity and eliminate unnecessary complexities from our lives. Holiday suggests that by simplifying our lives, we can focus on what truly matters. So, take a look at your life and see what you can declutter, both physically and mentally.

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The Daily Stoic is a treasure for managing our choices, overcoming self-deception, and learning to act according to the true worth of things while keeping the common good always in view.